'The absence of credible information is more likely to cause anxiety, uncertainty and panic.'
Mkhize is also a veteran of South Africa's fight against AIDS. AFP/File/GUILLEM SARTORIOFrustration is building among scientists over the government’s apparent lack of willingness to make key, detailed Covid-19 data accessible ahead of a meeting of the Covid-19 ministerial advisory committee on Monday.
– She was supported by other scientists and clinicians, as well as various members of the MAC, who said the MAC was not consulted on some aspects and details of the lockdown; “I don’t know of anyone who has actually come to us and said give us this information and we refused,” he said, while pointing out that detailed numbers were verified and released by the department daily.
Van den Heever questioned the rationale behind some types of data – particularly where cases were being found and at what rate, and other contact tracing and screening data – being kept locked away from public view, saying it hindered the individual’s ability to take informed steps to avoid direct contact with hotspots.
“The rationale offered may be that they don’t want people to face stigmatisation. But where you are not revealing the identity of the person, you are just showing the public that there is an outbreak in this local area. And then they may say they don’t want to cause panic.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Implats temporarily suspends operations at Marula after detecting 19 Covid-19 casesPlatinum mining group Implats has temporarily suspended operations at its Marula operation in Limpopo after detecting a 'cluster' of positive Covid-19 cases.
Read more »
Implats temporarily suspends operations at Marula after detecting 19 Covid-19 casesPlatinum mining group Implats has temporarily suspended operations at its Marula operation in Limpopo after detecting a “cluster” of positive Covid-19 cases. Covid19SA
Read more »
How any city worker can expect a raise during Covid-19 is beyond meNo one could have foreseen the coronavirus and what it could do to our lives. So, city leaders involved in the bargaining that led to the salary increase entrapment should reasonably be able to kick the emergency exit door.
Read more »
COVID-19: SA cases increase to 15,515, death toll at 264The Western Cape has just over 9,000 cases which are almost 60% of the country's infection.
Read more »
Survivors of Covid-19 Zwelinzima Vavi, Madiba's grandson, yoga teacher share their storiesWhile the number of those who have succumbed to Covid-19 in South Africa has surpassed the 200 mark, the level of recoveries has been lauded.
Read more »
SANDF gearing up for the Covid-19 worstA senior SANDF official said the government warned to expect the worst, comparative to what happened in Italy and US, where the army were seen transporting bodies and burying them in mass graves.
Read more »